Electric Candles > Yoga Mats

On old ways, impulse buys, and sparks in the dark

For weeks, I’ve been bookmarking “year end” and “new beginning” posts. They all did what they’re designed to do. When we read about someone’s quest for more authentic friendship, it’s hard not to take stock of our own connections. When someone says they want to bake more bread this year, I can almost smell the yeast blooming from my own kitchen.

Maybe it’s my turn to spill it. Or maybe by January 12, the moment has passed. Either way, I don’t have a quippy list, 2023 wasn’t a stellar year for self-reflection, and I can’t quite pin down what worked for me. I only know what didn’t work, and I know for certain those things were far beyond my control.

2023 Recap: Life Does Not Seek Consent

2023 Recap: Terror and Beauty are Daily Companions

2023 Recap: The Old Rules Don’t Work Anymore

Last year, a few days into January, Cory and I wandered into TJ Maxx where I coaxed us into the cliched purchase of two yoga mats that we would end up using exactly… four times.

This year, my New Year impulse purchase was a cheap set of electric window candles. They arrived yesterday with a tiny remote and Silas joyously set to work assembling and positioning them.

Guys, they flicker.

The clash between 2023 Shannan and 2024 Shannan could not be more obvious.